B) GENITAL TRACT:
GENITAL TRACT AND BREAST
SCROTUM AND TESTIS
Ultrasound is the only imaging modality commonly performed. A small high frequency transducer of 7-10 mHz is necessary. The normal testis is egg-shaped, smooth in outline and homogenous.
Indications for ultrasound:
- evaluation of a scrotal swelling
- evaluation of scrotal pain
- assessment of scrotal trauma
- investigation of infertility
- investigation of ectopic testicle
Testicular tumour:
Most common between 25-35 years of age presenting as a painless enlargement. Seminoma is by far the commonest testicular tumour. On ultrasound they are usually uniformly dark or echo poor (hypoechoeic), occasionally with patchy darker areas due to necrosis. Teratomas occur in a younger age group and often have a bizarre echo pattern sometimes with calcification. Lymphoma can also involve the testis and has a similar appearance to seminoma.
Hydrocele, epididymal cyst and spermatoceles appear as dark echo free (transonic) areas outside the testis.
Epididymo-orchitis:
The epididymis is enlarged and echo poor. 20% will have associated changes in the testis and there is always an associated hydrocele showing as a dark collection of fluid around the testis.
Varicoceles:
These are common and associated with subfertility and occasionally left renal carcinoma. They are easiest to demonstrate in the erect position and show as serpiginous echo-poor structures.
Torsion:
Ultrasound abnormality develops within one hour. The testis is enlarged and uniformly darker than normal. The epididymis may be enlarged and a hydrocele is often associated. The appearances are very similar to epidiymo-orchitis and can only be differentiated with colour Doppler ultrasound. Surgery should not be delayed by asking for a scan
Trauma:
This may cause:
- testicular rupture – disruption of testicular outline
- scrotal haematoma – thickening of scrotal wall
- acute haematocele – echo-poor collection in the tunica vaginalis
Undescended testis:
This commonly lies in the inguinal canal. In the remainder it is found high in the scrotum, in the abdomen, or lower pelvis. If it cannot be palpated both ultrasound and CT may locate it.
UTERUS and OVARIES
Ultrasound is the primary investigation used in the assessment of the female genital tract and two types of ultrasound examinations are possible.
Transabdominal ultrasound is performed as in abdominal scanning by a transducer held against the abdominal wall. A full bladder is necessary to push small bowel loops out of the way otherwise the ovaries and adnexae will be obscured by bowel contents. An overfull bladder however will distort the pelvic anatomy, may cause a little dilatation of the renal pelves and make the scan difficult to interpret. There is an optimum fullness of the bladder, often difficult to attain.
Transabdominal ultrasound is good for assessment of large pelvic masses out of range of a vaginal transducer and for a general overview of the pelvic and abdominal organs. Pathology outside the pelvis will be seen, such as hydronephrosis, ascites or metastases. It is a good starting scan as it ensures that intra-abdominal pathology will not be missed and in experienced hands will give good results.
Transvaginal ultrasound is performed by means of a special high frequency probe placed within the vagina. It is more convenient for many patients as a full bladder is not required, the bladder should be empty.
The major limiting factor is the smaller field of view as it is lacking in penetration. It is also inappropriate for very young or old patients.
The ovaries and uterus are well seen in greater detail than with an abdominal scan. Early pregnancy and its complications are well seen. It is used widely in infertility for follicle assessment and in suspected ectopic pregnancy. However it is not widely available in Africa and needs considerable expertise.
Normal uterus & ovaries:
The normal uterus is a pear-shaped structure lying centrally behind the bladder, larger in women who have borne children. The endometrium is seen as a central echogenic linear structure of varying width depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle. It is narrow after menstruation becoming thicker during the second half of the cycle. In post menopausal women it atrophies and is barely visible, not measuring more than 5mm in width. The fallopian tubes are not usually seen unless abnormal. Ovaries appear as oval structures lateral to the uterus. They can be found anywhere between the lower pole of the kidney and the pouch of Douglas but normally lie just anterior and medial to the iliac vessels on the side wall of the pelvis. They are recognised by the follicles within them, which appear as small dark rounded structures. The ovaries may not be symmetrical, one may lie above the uterus and the other in the pouch of Douglas.
Fibroids
Fibroids are common benign tumours, especially in Africa. They are the result of overgrowth of smooth muscle and connective tissue in the wall of the uterus. They may be intramural, subserosal or subendometrial in location. Occasionally they are pedunculated, lying away from the uterus when they are often confused with an ovarian or other mass. They can reach a very large size and may show calcification on plain films. They usually occur in the body of the uterus but occasionally are seen in the cervix. They are commoner in pre-menopausal women being much less frequent in young women and decreasing in size after the menopause.
Features on ultrasound:
• enlargement of the uterus
• distortion of the uterine outline
• round or lobulated mass in one of the common sites in the uterus. This may be hypoechoeic, hyperechoeic or occasionally isoechoeic
• the whole of the uterus may be occupied by large fibroid masses and difficult to recognize as such
• distortion and displacement of the endometrial echo
Complications may occur such as haemorrhage into the fibroid or cystic degeneration. Rarely sarcomatous malignant degeneration may occur. It is not possible to diagnose this on ultrasound.
Cervical carcinoma:
This is usually diagnosed clinically and by cytology or biopsy. Ultrasound may be used to detect the presence of hydronephrosis or spread to the iliac nodes. If the carcinoma is large it will be seen as an irregular mass in the region of the cervix.
Simple ovarian cyst: Ovarian cysts may be transient and small or become very large occupying much of the abdominal cavity. The features on ultrasound are:
• Dark clear lesions, free of internal echoes
• Thin wall
• Acoustic enhancement
Simple functional cysts are common (follicular cyst). They are usually less than 6 cm in diameter and disappear after an interval. A follow up scan will show resolution.
If there is internal bleeding into a cyst it will be filled with fine echoes. This is also seen in endometrioma.
A cyst containing septations or strands within it is not a simple cyst and will not resolve spontaneously.
Polycystic Ovaries:
Ultrasound findings alone are non specific but features which may be seen are:
• Bilaterally enlarged ovaries
• Multiple small follicles around the periphery of the ovaries
• Increased stroma centrally
This is the typical appearance but the ovaries appear normal in 25% of cases. In other cases there may be increase in size but no visible individual cysts/follicles.
Benign ovarian cysts/mass: cysts may be seen in the ovary containing internal strands or septations. They do not show acoustic enhancement and are persistent, increasing in size. They may become very large. These, if benign, are either mucinous or serous cystadenoma. Although cystadenomata are benign they have a malignant potential and it is not always possible to differentiate benign from malignant on ultrasound. Any cyst with solid elements within it is likely to be malignant.
Malignant ovarian mass: most ovarian carcinomas appear as partially cystic masses. They contain septations with a mixture of solid and cystic elements. Malignancy should be suspected in an ovarian cystic mass if there are:
• Thick irregular septations
• Nodules in the septations
• Solid tissue within cystic spaces
• Thick irregular cystic wall
• Pelvic ascites
The size of an ovarian cyst is not an indicator of malignancy. A cyst may be very large and benign. Conversely a small non palpable ovarian cyst may be malignant.
Hydrosalpinx/ pelvic inflammatory disease: acute disease often shows no changes on ultrasound scan. Later, as tubal abscesses or hydrosalpinges develop these become visible as adnexal cystic masses. If unilateral it may mimic ectopic pregnancy or ovarian lesion.
Post menopausal bleeding: although hysteroscopy or curettage are usually performed in these patients to exclude endometrial carcinoma an ultrasound scan can sometimes be helpful. The endometrial thickness becomes thinner in post menopausal women due to atrophy as hormones decrease. The thickness can be measured by ultrasound. If very thin the presence of endometrial carcinoma is very unlikely. It should not exceed 5 mm in width. Increase in width occurs in:
• Endometrial carcinoma
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Endometrial polyp
• Tamoxifen therapy
• Hormone replacement therapy
Haematometra, hydrometra, pyometra
The uterine cavity is normally empty containing no fluid collection. Occasionally it will be seen to be distended by a dark collection of fluid, which may be blood, pus or secretion. In acute pelvic inflammatory disease the uterine cavity may contain a small amount of pus but a collection in the endometrial cavity is usually secondary to obstruction, either by a mass or fibrosis in the cervical region or due to imperforate hymen. In the latter case the vagina will also be seen to be distended with blood. It is common to see a dark collection of fluid in the uterine cavity in cases of carcinoma of the cervix.
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HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAM (HSG)
The fallopian tubes cannot be assessed on ultrasound and other methods are needed to assess tubal patency, although newer techniques using ultrasound contrast agents have shown some success.
Hysterosalpingogram is a commonly performed imaging investigation in cases of infertility. A cannula or catheter is placed within the cervical canal and 10-20 ml of contrast injected to outline the uterine cavity and tubes. Fluoroscopy is usually used if available. The examination is best performed around day 10 of the cycle when tubal filling is most likely to occur. In practice this can seldom be achieved and it is performed anytime within the first half of the cycle after menstruation has ceased and before the time of fertilization.
Indications for hysterosalpingogram:
- Recurrent abortion - ?uterine abnormality
• congenital abnormality (bicornuate uterus; unicornuate uterus)
• acquired abnormality (fibroids, cavity adhesions (Aschermans syndrome)
- Infertility - ? tubal occlusion
Contraindications:
- pregnancy
- infection
- menstruation
Complications:
- venous intravasation: this is a common problem. May be due to too forceful injection or performing the examination too soon after menstruation
- infection − especially cross infection if instruments are not sterilised properly between patients
- pain – this can be severe on spillage of the dye into the peritoneal cavity, occasionally causing fainting
Congenital anomaly: the commonest anomaly is bicornuate uterus with a single cervix.
Uterine fibroids are usually diagnosed on ultrasound but are commonly seen on hysterosalpingogram. They may be very large and prevent filling of the fallopian tubes, which then cannot be assessed. Considerable more contrast will be needed as the uterine cavity is often very large.
Hydrosalpinx: dilatation of the fallopian tube. This is commonly associated with tubal occlusion but hydrosalpinx may be seen in a patent tube.
The tubes may not fill. This may be due to insufficient dye, leakage back into the vagina, fibroids, corneal spasm or taking the film too early. Occlusion at the cornua may be present but is difficult to differentiate from spasm. Sometimes a repeat examination is necessary.
OBSTETRIC IMAGING
Plain X-rays are no longer indicated in pregnancy and ultrasound is the only imaging method used.
Ultrasound is used for:
1. Assessment of the number of foetuses and the complications of twin pregnancy
2. Assessment of gestational age
- Crown rump length (CRL) is used under 12 weeks gestation
- Biparietal diameter (BPD) is used after 12 weeks and is accurate to within one week in the second trimester but
becomes less accurate as pregnancy progresses
- The femur length can also be used and is more accurate in later pregnancy
3. Position of the placenta
4. Liquor volume
5. Foetal morphology
6. Complications of pregnancy e.g. bleeding in pregnancy, growth retardation, maternal diabetes, placenta praevia
7. Growth assessment: foetal abdominal circumference, foetal weight estimation
8. Foetal presentation.
The pregnancy test is positive before changes are seen on ultrasound and the latter is not indicated to diagnose pregnancy alone. A gestation sac is usually visible by 5 weeks on transabdominal scan and appears as a dark ring shaped structure within the uterine cavity. A foetal pole can be recognised by 6 weeks along with the heart beat. Before the foetal pole is visible maturity can be assessed by measuring the size of the gestation sac.
With transvaginal scanning the gestation sac is visible at 4.5 weeks and the foetal pole at 5 weeks.
Complications of early pregnancy: ultrasound is invaluable in the management of early pregnancy complications such as bleeding or lower abdominal pain.
• Threatened abortion: the presence of a foetal pole with visible heart beat is a good prognostic sign. Bleeding is commonly due to a subchorionic hemorrhage, which may resolve. If the sac is small and there is no embryo visible a repeat scan after an interval or a transvaginal scan should be performed.
• Incomplete abortion: this is seen on ultrasound as a cluster of echogenic material within the uterine cavity. There are no recognizable foetal parts or foetal heart.
• Blighted ovum: this occurs when an embryo does not develop following fertilisation. On ultrasound there is a normal gestation sac but this remains empty on follow up scans and a yolk sac does not develop.
• Ectopic pregnancy: occurs when the fertilised ovum fails to reach the uterus and implants in a fallopian tube. Rarely it implants in an ovary or peritoneal cavity. There is increased risk of ectopic pregnancy in women with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous ectopic pregnancy, previous surgery, or intrauterine contraceptive device.
Ectopic pregnancy can seldom be diagnosed with certainty on ultrasound examination. It is very rare to see a gestation sac with recognisable foetal pole within the tube. Usually there is just a complex adnexal mass often indistinguishable from an inflammatory mass. Knowledge of the pregnancy test is essential when scanning for ectopic. Sometimes the uterus contains a small sac-like structure (pseudo-sac) which can be mistaken for a gestation sac. There may be free fluid in the pouch of Douglas or blood may have tracked to lie in Morrisons pouch between the liver and R kidney. In many cases the scan will be normal its main use lying in excluding an intrauterine pregnancy in the presence of a positive pregnancy test and lower abdominal pain. The following ultrasound features may be present:
a. Absence of true gestation sac within the uterus with positive pregnancy test. A true gestation sac is recognised by the presence of a white echogenic ring around it
b. A gestation sac may be seen within a fallopian tube. This may contain a foetal pole with foetal heart beat
c. Endometrial thickening
d. Free pelvic fluid
e. Adnexal mass
f. Normal scan.
Diagnosis with ultrasound can only be certain if a gestation sac is shown to be lying outside the uterus.
Uterus is anterior (arrow)with
• Molar degeneration: shows a characteristic appearance of multiple small cystic spaces within the uterine cavity
• Cervical incompetence cannot be assessed in a non-pregnant uterus using ultrasound. During the second trimester the length of the cervical canal can be measured and membranes bulging down into the cervical canal may be seen. Milder cases are very difficult to diagnose.
SCANNING IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER
Scanning at this stage is used to assess gestation age, foetal viability and to look for foetal abnormality. The placenta has now developed and can be located although the lower uterine segment is not fully developed until 32 weeks. If the placenta is seen to be low lying a repeat scan after 32 weeks gestation may show it to be in a normal position.
Many normal foetal structures can be seen at 18-20 weeks and examination of these should form part of the scan. The foetal bladder and stomach should always be looked for. The spine and brain should be examined in detail as many foetal abnormalities can be detected by examination of these alone.
Gestational age:
The biparietal diameter (BPD) is the most accurate method of dating in the second trimester. A plane is used passing through the parietal region at the level of the septum pellucidum. The head circumference can also be measured and is more accurate than the BPD if the head is rather elongated in shape (dolicocephalic). The femur length is measured as a further check on accuracy of the BPD.
Foetal abnormality:
A vast number of foetal abnormalities can be detected by ultrasound when the foetus is large enough for these to be visible. In England a scan is offered routinely at 20 weeks.
The presence of increased or decreased liquor is often a sign of foetal anomaly or an indicator of other abnormality.
• Abnormalities of the central nervous system: these include anencephaly, spina bifida, encephalocele and hydrocephalus. These are commonly associated with increase of liquor (hydramnios). Many of these can be detected by examining the foetal brain. The size of the ventricles can be measured to detect hydrocephalus. The shape of the head is also important as is the shape of the cerebellum which often assumes a banana shape in the presence of spina bifida. The foetal spine is examined in 3 planes, sagittal, coronal and transverse. Many spina bifidas occur in the lumbo-sacral region. A scoliosis or kyphosis may be present.
• Abnormalities of the renal tract: decrease in liquor is often an indicator that renal disease is present. There may be hydronephrosis, renal agensis (with complete absence of liquor) or enlarged bright kidneys due to polycystic disease. If there is bilateral hydronephrosis in a male foetus posterior urethral valves should be suspected
• Abnormalities of the heart: considerable experience is needed in order to detect many cardiac abnormalities. A
4-chamber view is relatively easy to obtain. This will detect most major anomalies
• Gastro-intestinal tract: diaphragmatic hernia, duodenal atresia or intestinal obstruction may all be diagnosed by an experienced sonographer. Oesophageal atresia should be suspected in the presence of hydramnios when the foetal stomach cannot be identified
• Skeletal: various types of dwarfism may be recognised, also osteogenesis imperfecta
• Chromosomal abnormalities: these are more difficult to detect but there are signs that may lead to suspicion of a chromosomal abnormality. These are called “markers”, as none is diagnostic of abnormality. One such marker is the presence of an omphalocele (a protrusion of abdominal contents outside the abdomen).
SCANNING IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER
A scan is performed in the third trimester for a specific indication. This may be to:
- assess foetal growth if growth retardation is suspected
- to check the position of the placenta in cases of vaginal bleeding
- to check the presentation
- check maturity in a patient presenting late
- check the foetus in diabetic patients – they are at increased risk
- follow up twin pregnancy
Foetal growth can be monitored by measuring the trunk circumference at the level of the umbilical vein. The foetal weight can also be estimated by multiplying various measurements (femur length, trunk circumference, BPD) by a constant factor.
The femur length measurement is a more accurate indicator of maturity in the third trimester when the head growth has slowed and there is a greater normal variation.
Babies of diabetic women are particularly at risk. If the diabetes is poorly controlled the subcutaneous tissues become very thickened and oedematous resulting in very large measurements of the trunk circumference (diabetic cherub).
The placenta appears as a speckled structure gradually developing into a recognisable structure early in the second trimester. Placenta praevia is readily detected on ultrasound unless the placenta is lying posteriorly and obscured by the foetal skull. The lower uterine segment is not fully developed until 32 weeks so a low lying placenta in early pregnancy may be normal later – the so called migrating placenta!
Accidental haemorrhage may not show any abnormality on scanning but ultrasound will exclude placenta praevia as a cause of the bleeding.
Twin pregnancy is especially at risk. Dichorionic twins, each with their own placenta are least at risk. Monochorionic twins sharing the same placenta have a higher risk of death and growth retardation.
Twin pregnancies are often monitored throughout pregnancy by growth scans, as are patients with diabetes, a bad obstetric history or previous history of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).
BREAST IMAGING
Imaging of the breast can be performed by special X-ray, which is called Mammography, or by ultrasound using a high frequency transducer. These imaging methods are complementary to good clinical examination of the beast and do not replace it.
Mammography is used predominantly to confirm or exclude breast cancer. Impalpable cancers may be demonstrated and localised so that they can be biopsied.
Mammography is also useful in the periodic assessment of the contralateral breast following mastectomy and in the symptomatic breast following wide local excision for breast cancer. Mammography is widely used in many countries for breast screening in women above a certain age. The age and protocols vary between country.
Breast ultrasonography can give further information , complementing clinical and mammographic assessment when there is a palpable mass or discrete mammographic lesion. It can differentiate between solid and cystic lesions and can be used to guide biopsy needles.
MAMMOGRAPHY
There are many problems specific to breast imaging. The breast is composed of tissues of very similar density producing little contrast on films. A low KV produces a softer less penetrating beam and improves contrast. A normal KV exposure for a conventional chest X-ray is 70, and for a high KV chest X-ray 120. This is quite different from that needed in mammography which ideally should be around 30 KV. Therefore, a different machine is needed to take mammograms. A machine with greater heat capacity and current ability. As the rays are much less penetrating a different tube window is needed so that they are not absorbed before they reach the breast. A special target material is used called molybdenum because this enhances the low KV radiation.
Because there is little contrast in the breast special films and cassettes are used. Films with a finer grain and just coated with emulsion on one side. This improves resolution, which is necessary to see fine particles of microcalcification. A special processor should be used which is slower and matched to the film/screen combination.
Compression is needed which is uncomfortable for the patient.
Interpretation is difficult and training is necessary. This is because benign lesions may mimic carcinoma and carcinomas may look benign. Also, both may exist together making interpretation very difficult.
Despite all the problems mammography it is at present the only suitable imaging method for breast screening.
The standard views are:
1. OBLIQUE
2. CRANIO-CAUDAL
By convention the patients name marker is placed on the lateral side on the cranio-caudal view. If there is a problem interpreting these films additional views may be needed such as spot compression or magnification views.
The films should be assessed for adequacy in much the same way as a chest film is assessed before interpretation is attempted.
On the oblique film:
- the nipple should be in profile
- the pectoral muscle seen down to nipple level
- the inframammary fold should be seen
- the breast tissue should be spread out
- the should be no artefacts
Cranio-caudal view:
- the nipple should be in profile
- all the breast included
Indications for mammography
1. Breast screening of women over the age of 40
2. High risk screening in women over the age of 35 i.e. women with a strong family history of breast cancer
3. Symptomatic women with signs of malignancy or a breast lump over age 35 yrs.
4. Follow up after previous wide local excision for breast cancer or previous unilateral mastectomy
5. Male breast lump
Symptomatic women under the age of 35 are usually assessed by ultrasound if imaging is needed. Mammograms are difficult to interpret in the younger denser breast.
Not all symptomatic women need imaging. It is not indicated in breast pain alone unless severe, unilateral and non cyclical. It is not necessary for tender lumpy breasts. It is not indicated in women under 50 with a nipple discharge that is not blood stained and is intermittent.
Up to 30% of carcinomas are missed on mammography in symptomatic women and 10% on breast screening. On account of this ultrasound examination is often used in combination with mammography in symptomatic women and is sometimes the first imaging method if a suitable probe and expertise are available.
MALIGNANCY
Signs of breast carcinoma on mammography:
1. A spiculated mass is the most characteristic sign.
2. A mass without obvious spiculations. Usually it is very dense with an irregular outline although sometimes it is well defined, especially if the tumour is slow growing. Even when a lesion appears benign with a smooth outline, if it is of high density malignancy should be suspected.
3. A density – this may be vague, ill defined and difficult to appreciate if lying in a dense part of the breast. If there is an asymmetrical density in either breast this may need to be assessed further. Vague densities are difficult to interpret. Further compression views and ultrasound are often needed.
4. An area of breast distortion. This is may be vague and difficult to discern especially if the breast is dense.
5. Microcalcification: may also be seen in benign breast disease and it is often difficult to differentiate benign from malignant calcification. Features which are suspicious for malignancy are:
- variable particle size, shape, and density. Linear branching is particularly suspicious.
- cluster shape is irregular
- distribution is segmental or within a lobe rather than scattered
In practice microcalcification is difficult to assess and in most cases fine needle aspiration or core biopsy are undertaken to exclude malignancy.
If a density is seen with microcalcification it is most likely to be malignant.
Features which should raise the level of suspicion for malignancy are:
• in a forbidden zone: there are 4 forbidden zones:
- high near the pectoral muscle on the oblique view
- directly behind the nipple centrally
- behind the glandular part of the breast in the retromammary space
- the medial side of the breast
• high density
• irregular outline
• mass with microcalcification
• persistence of density with a spot compression film
• increase in size with time
• growing across normal tissue planes
• branching microcalcification
Ductal or lobular carcinoma in situ (DCIS or LCIS) is malignancy confined within the ducts. It leads to invasive carcinoma with time, the interval before this happens depending on the grade, which is classified histologically as high, intermediate, or low grade. High grade carcinoma in situ leads to invasive cancer in a shorter period of time.
GENERALISED INCREASE IN BREAST SIZE AND DENSITY
Sometimes the breast is just generally very oedematous and satisfactory films are not possible because of the increase in density and size. Causes of a very dense breast are:
1. Extensive breast carcinoma with infiltration or occlusion of the lymphatics
2. Inflammation
3. Metastatic disease in the axilla blocking the lymphatic drainage
4. Previous X-ray therapy
5. Rarely, congestive heart failure or renal failure but in these cases it is usually bilateral.
BENIGN BREAST DISEASE
Benign masses on mammography are usually well defined and of low density. They may become less obvious on spot compression films. The commonest benign masses seen are cysts & fibroadenomas in younger women. It is not possible to tell the difference between the two & ultrasound is used for this purpose. They are often multiple which makes the diagnosis easier. They often occur in dense breasts associated with fibrocystic breast disease. Carcinoma may occur alongside a benign lesion when it can be easily missed.
Benign microcalcifications are coarser, rounded and scattered. “Popcorn” calcification may occur in fibroadenomas. Layered or “teacup” shaped calcifications are a feature of benign disease as is vascular calcification.
If suspicious lesions are found on mammography that are not palpable or visible with ultrasound these can be biopsied using a localisation technique called “stereotaxis”. Stereotactic localisation is performed by taking 2 images of the lesion, the X-ray tube being moved a set distance between the two exposures. From the position of the abnormality on the film a computer can work out the exact location of the lesion within the breast. A fine wire is then inserted to mark the position of the lesion and a check film taken.
BREAST ULTRASOUND
Requisites:
1. A probe of 7.5 mHz frequency or above. Many people now use 12 mHz probes.
2. Expertise. A person trained in breast imaging and breast ultrasound.
Indications for breast ultrasound:
1. Symptomatic women with breast lumps under the age of 35
2. A mass on mammography for further assessment and biopsy under ultrasound guidance
3. A clinical mass with normal mammograms
4. Breast inflammation to assess for abscess collection which may need draining
5. Equivocal mammograms, for further evaluation
6. A lump during pregnancy or lactation.
Features of malignancy on ultrasound:
- hypoechoeic mass
- poorly defined margins
- irregular outline
- posterior shadowing (attenuation)
- taller than wide: a sign that it is growing against the tissue planes which usually indicates malignancy
- bright anterior cuff of echoes/
Not all carcinomas show the characteristic appearances on ultrasound. They may appear well defined and similar in echogenicity to the rest of the breast tissue. If a lesion is shown to be solid on ultrasound it should be biopsied.
Other methods of breast imaging:
1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging – this is rapidly increasing in use. It is very sensitive, showing up all abnormalities but unfortunately is not very specific with a high number of false positives. It is useful in:
- women with breast implants
- after surgery or X-ray therapy when mammography is difficult
- younger women at high risk
- occult carcinoma : that is women with positive axillary nodes but with negative mammograms
- women with dense breasts where glandular density obscures lesions
2. Nuclear Medicine
This is just beginning to emerge as an effective technique. It shows the cancer and involved nodes as areas of increased uptake. It has a place in showing whether the sentinel axillary node is involved or not in cases of known breast carcinoma. It is not widely used at the moment.
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Longitudinal ultrasound scan of the uterus showing a hypoechoeic mass anteriorly which is bulging the uterine outline. This was a small intramural fibroid
Cervix
Uterine fundus
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Longitudinal scan of the uterus showing a normal body (white arrow) but a large mass in the region of the cervix due to a large carcinoma (dark arrow)
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Transverse scan of the uterus (dark arrow) and R adnexa showing a R sided ovarian cyst. It contains no internal septations & measures 5cm in diameter. A follow up scan in the next cycle will help to decide if it is a functional cyst or not
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Normal testis
Epididymis
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Body of uterus
Midline echo (endometrium)
Cervix
Normal uterus
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Pedunculated
fibroid
Intramural fibroid
Subserosal fibroid
Normal ovary containing a few small follicles
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Simple ovarian cyst
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Lower abdominal mass in a 40 year old female patient. This was a mixture of cystic & solid elements on ultrasound. It contains a lot of solid tissue between the cystic spaces & is very suspicious for ovarian malignancy
Another pelvic mass in a female patient. It is largely solid with two visible cystic spaces. It was a malignant ovarian tumour
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R ovary seen above the tubal mass
Hydrosalpinx
Transverse scan of the uterus & adnexae in a case of pelvic inflammatory disease. It shows bilateral tubal cystic masses due to hydrosalpinx
Bladder
Uterus
L hydrosalpinx
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A female patient admitted with lower abdominal pain of 2-3 weeks duration. Scan showed a hypoechoeic mass in the R adnexa. The pregnancy test was negative and the patient was febrile. This was a tubal abscess due to pelvic inflammatory disease
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Normal thickness of the endometrial echo (crosses)
Very marked thickening of the endometrium. This is very suspicious for endometrial carcinoma
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A fluid collection within the uterine cavity. There is a mass in the cervical region & the patient had carcinoma of the cervix which was occluding the cervical canal resulting in retention of blood & secretions in the uterine cavity
Bladder
Cervix with small tumour nodule protruding into the bladder lumen
This is a longitudinal pelvic scan performed on a 15 year old girl admitted with abdominal pain & a lower abdominal mass. She had not yet menstruated. The scan shows 2 communicating collections. One is lying within the body of the uterus & the other in the cervical canal. There was also a dark collection in the vagina (star). This was haematocolpos due to imperforate hymen
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Hysterosalpingogram showing a bicornuate uterus. The cannula is lying within a single cervix. The proximal tubes are filled with contrast.
L uterine horn with fallopian tube
Cervix with cannula
R uterine horn with fallopian tube
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Hysterosalpingogram showing satisfactory filling of both tubes with peritoneal spill (arrows) on both sides indicating tubal patency. The shape of the uterine cavity is not well seen as the uterus is pushed up by the cannula
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In this patient the contrast has intravasated into the uterine vessels obscuring detail. There is no recognisable tubal filling & when this happens the procedure has usually to be abandoned & repeated in the next cycle.
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Filling defects in the uterus due to fibroids. Calcification is seen in a fibroid (arrows). There has been no tubal filling
A large filling defect with deformity of the uterine cavity due to a fibroid. Again there has been no filling of the fallopian tubes
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Hysterosalpingogram in a patient with primary infertility showing the uterus & tubes outlined with contrast. Both tubes are dilated & there is no peritoneal spill indicating tubal occlusions
Contrast seen in the uterine cavity & the fallopian tubes which are dilated with no peritoneal spill. This patient presented with infertility
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Crown rump measurement in early pregnancy. The gestation sac (white arrow) is shown by the dark area within which the foetus can be seen between the dark arrows
Ultrasound scan showing a gestation sac containing a foetal pole (between the stars). Above the gestation sac is a dark area which was a small subchorionic haemorrhage (arrow). If a foetal heart beat is seen, the prognosis is good
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Empty gestation sac in a patient with bleeding in early pregnancy. If the sac measures less than 3 cm in diameter a repeat scan after an interval should be done as the sac may be too immature to contain a visible embryo
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Longitudinal scan of the uterus, which shows a normal midline echo with no intra-uterine pregnancy. However, behind the uterus is a gestation sac containing an embryo. There was a visible heart beat. The pregnancy was lying within the fallopian tube
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Transverse uterine scan in another patient presenting with lower abdominal pain & a positive pregnancy test. The uterus is again seen to be empty but there is a small sac lying to the R of the uterus. Within the sac was a tiny embryo visible. This was an ectopic pregnancy within the R fallopian tube
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Longitudinal uterine scan in a patient with 3 months amenorrhoea & lower abdominal pain. The uterus is lying anteriorly & contains a pseudo sac. The bladder is empty & barely visible. The uterus could be mistaken for the bladder in these circumstances & care is needed when scanning. Behind the uterus is a large gestation sac containing a recognisable foetus of 13 weeks gestation. An ectopic pregnancy usually ends earlier due to tubal rupture or tubal abortion
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The plane used for BPD & head circumference measurements. The septum pellucidum is recognised by the 2 short parallel lines anteriorly (arrow). The widest diameter is measured from inner skull table to outer
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Normal foetal spine in the sagittal plane
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A measurement of abdominal circumference at the level of the liver, umbilical vein (dark arrow) & stomach (white arrow)
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Femur length measurement
Femur
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This may be associated with other signs of malignancy such as skin thickening or nipple inversion
A mass in a fatty breast showing irregular margins with spiculations. It was a ductal carcinoma
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Dense irregular mass in the upper half of the R breast. The oblique view is on the L & the cranio-caudal view on the R. It was a carcinoma
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A cranio-caudal view showing a well defined lesion laterally. The outline is a little spiculated. It was a ductal carcinoma
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Oblique mammogram showing a well defined mass which is of very high density. Note how white it appears in comparison to the remaining breast. It was a lobular carcinoma.
Both oblique views in an elderly patient with fatty breasts. There is a dense mass in the lower part of the L breast. The mass is so dense that the remaining breast tissue is very dark in comparison & not seen in detail. This was a carcinoma.
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This is an oblique mammogram in a patient with dense breasts. There is an area of distortion in the upper half. In the absence of a history of previous surgery this is very suspicious for carcinoma. In this patient it was a malignant lesion. It would be much easier to detect in a fatty breast.
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Oblique & cranio-caudal views showing microcalcifications which are variable in size & shape. There is also an associated mass. This appearance is almost certainly malignant . This patient had ductal carcinoma in situ with an invasive component
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Oblique mammogram showing multiple densities
Cranio-caudal view showing them to have smooth margins & to be fairly low in density. These were due to multiple cysts clearly demonstrated on ultrasound
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Arterial calcification
Different appearances of benign calcifications
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Cranio-caudal view showing multiple calcifications. These are rounded in appearance with lucent centres. This is a feature of benign disease
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A malignant mass on ultrasound. There is a dark shadow and a white cuff of echoes above it
Submucosal (subendometrial) fibroid
Cervical fibroid
Sites in which fibroids may occur
Polycystic ovary. Follicles/cysts peripherally with increased stroma elsewhere
Uterus
Bladder
Uterine wall
Pseudosac
Bladder
Gestation sac containing embryo
Atrium of the lateral ventricle which is the spot measured to exclude hydrocephalus
Septum pellucidum. Landmark for BPD measurement
Pectoral muscle down to nipple level
Inframammary fold
Oblique mammogram in a post menopausal breast showing very little glandular breast tissue. The inframammary fold is not well seen but the pectoral muscle is seen down to the nipple which is in profile
Linear microcalcification with branching. This appearance is very suspicious for malignancy
Cluster of microcalcification containing particles of varying shapes & sizes suspicious for malignancy
A lesion in any of these areas should be treated with a high degree of suspicion. Also, if seen to be lying on the medial side of the breast on the cranio-caudal view
Large calcific opacity
“Egg-shell”
“Pop-corn”
Smooth, widely separated. May have lucent centres
Linear rod-like. May have lucent centres
Another breast carcinoma on ultrasound showing different appearances. There is a large hypoechoeic mass with lobulated margins. Instead of acoustic attenuation & a dark shadow behind it there is good through transmission of the beam with acoustic enhancement as would be seen with a cyst. This however was a ductal carcinoma. A solid lesion on ultrasound should have percutaneous biopsy no matter what the appearances are
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